Estonia
A medieval themed restaurant and bar in the heart of the old town that is worth a visit for a drink such as a mead. Staff are dressed in period costume, with medieval music playing in the background.
Not cheap but authentic and enjoyable. Even the toilets continue the medieval theme.
Vana Turg 1, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia
+372(0)627 9020
www.oldehansa.ee/
Google map: bit.ly/g3ng3T
Just a few steps away from the Town Hall square is the Beer House, Tallinn’s only microbrewery.
The bricked walled beer hall is large and quite cavernous, a little like a converted warehouse, but doesn't feel empty, its stone floors filled with wooden tables which, in turn, fill up with people sampling the beer and food that is on offer.
A lot of effort has gone into creating a convivial, bier Keller atmosphere, from the helpful costumed waiting staff to the toe-tapping, thigh-slapping music. Although the latter is something of an acquired taste and there were a few moments of surrealness when we realised we were listening to an oompah band rendition of "Viva Espania" followed by "Roll Out the Barrel".
The home produced beer is excellent and comes in three varieties, a light golden easy to drink Pilsner, a wheaty Marzen Spezial and the thicker, dark Dunkles. What makes the beer particularly good, however, is that it is un-pasteurised and has none of the slightly chemical aftertaste you can get with other commercially produced beers and lagers.
The Beer House also serves a good range of simple but filling food such as chicken wings, herrings and big lumps of roast meat.
Lunchtimes are quieter, it's a good place to stop for a beer and a light-ish snack, evenings busier and more lively.
Dunkri 5
www.beerhouse.ee
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